Last updated on July 21st, 2026 at 10:54 am
South Korean financial services firm Kiwoom Securities is in talks to acquire a stake in cryptocurrency exchange Bithumb, showing institutional interest in the country’s digital asset market.
According to local media outlet ChosunBiz, the discussions involve a third-party share allocation, where Bithumb would issue new shares for Kiwoom to purchase. The size of the investment and the percentage of shares involved have not yet been finalized.
Kiwoom Securities is in talks to acquire a stake in Bithumb, Korea’s #2 crypto exchange, joining Samsung, Mirae Asset, and Korea Investment Securities in the rush for exchange equity. The structure is a third-party allotment. Bithumb issues new shares, Kiwoom buys them. Stake… pic.twitter.com/2X257nzVUn
— Tony Chung (@jayc_BM) June 29, 2026
Bithumb said that no final decision has been made. The exchange said it is holding discussions with several financial institutions and companies over potential partnerships. Kiwoom has not publicly commented on the reported talks.
Why are traditional financial firms investing in crypto exchanges?
The reported deal comes as major financial institutions in South Korea continue to increase their exposure to the crypto industry.
Last month, Hana Bank announced plans to acquire a $670 million stake in Dunamu, the parent company of Upbit, South Korea’s largest cryptocurrency exchange. Around the same period, three Samsung subsidiaries were also reported to be buying a combined 4% stake in Dunamu in a deal valued at about $407.7 million.
Interest has also come from overseas. OKX Ventures recently announced plans to acquire a 19.6% stake in Coinone, while Binance completed its acquisition of Gopax after a lengthy regulatory process.
Crypto regulations remain a key focus
South Korea is working on the Digital Asset Basic Act, a regulatory framework designed to govern the country’s cryptocurrency industry.
Although progress on the bill slowed earlier this year, lawmakers are expected to resume discussions in the second half of the year. One proposal under review would generally limit a single shareholder’s ownership in a crypto exchange to 20%, though exceptions of up to 34% could be allowed under certain conditions.
The upcoming rules are expected to shape future investments and ownership structures across the country’s digital asset sector.
Bithumb continues preparations for IPO
The reported investment talks come as Bithumb moves forward with plans to go public.
The exchange has signed an IPO advisory agreement with Samjong KPMG through the end of 2027. Chief Financial Officer Jeong Sang-gyun said in April that Bithumb is targeting a public listing in 2028.
If Kiwoom’s investment moves ahead, it would further strengthen ties between South Korea’s traditional financial sector and the country’s expanding cryptocurrency industry as exchanges prepare for tighter regulation and long-term growth.
Enjoyed this? Bookmark DeFi Planet, explore related topics, and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and CoinMarketCap Community for seamless access to high-quality industry insights
Take control of your crypto portfolio with DEFI PLANET PRO, DeFi Planet’s suite of analytics tools.
